DNR?s Lake Michigan Coastal Program has started accepting pre-proposals for $800,000 in funds for area improvement that will be available in July 2007. Interested communities and local organizations are invited and encouraged to attend one of three August grant workshops.
Pre-proposals will be accepted until Sept. 13. Those receiving favorable recommendation from the Coastal Advisory Board will be eligible to submit a full proposal.
?We have funded over $3 million worth of projects that have enhanced and protected the area over the past five years and we look forward to issuing these funds for more great projects in 2007,? said Mike Molnar, program manager.
One workshop each will be held in Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties. Dates will be announced as the locations are confirmed. Attendees will be able to seek input on project eligibility and receive answers to their application questions.
Potential recipients should benefit from an improved application format, which the LMCP hopes will increase the number of applicants.
?During the last five years, we have sought public, applicant and partner input on the usability of our grant materials,? said Jenny Orsburn, program specialist. ?This time around, applicants will experience a more user-friendly format with a pre-proposal.?
This annual competitive grants program awards funding to units of local government, regional and state agencies, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations. The funds may be spent on low-cost construction, land acquisition, and planning and coordination, as well as on education and outreach projects. Projects must be located entirely within the Coastal area, which includes the northern portion of Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties.
The program was created to coordinate efforts between local, state, and federal governments and local organizations, and to support projects that protect and restore natural, cultural and historical resources in Indiana?s coastal region. The LMCP is funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce?s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Coastal Resource Management.
For more information, visit the program?s website: www.in.gov/dnr/lakemich.
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